Print-on-demand (POD) on Etsy is a profitable online business model that lets you sell custom-designed products without handling inventory or shipping. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started and making money.
1. Choose a Profitable Niche
Successful Etsy shops focus on specific niches that attract dedicated buyers. Some popular POD niches include:
- Personalized Gifts – Custom mugs, shirts, and jewelry
- Pet Lovers – Dog and cat-themed apparel or accessories
- Inspirational & Motivational Quotes – Posters, journals, and t-shirts
- Hobby-Based Themes – Gaming, fitness, gardening, or book lovers
- Seasonal & Holiday Products – Christmas, Halloween, birthdays, and weddings
Use Etsy search, Google Trends, and Pinterest to find trending product ideas.
2. Set Up Your Etsy Store
To start selling on Etsy:
- Create an Etsy Seller Account – Register at Etsy.com.
- Optimize Your Shop – Choose a catchy name, write a compelling shop bio, and add a profile logo.
- Enable Payment Options – Set up Etsy Payments to receive payouts via PayPal or direct deposit.
3. Partner with a Print-On-Demand Supplier
POD platforms handle printing, packaging, and shipping directly to customers. Top POD services that integrate with Etsy include:
- Printful – Wide range of products with no upfront costs
- Printify – Competitive pricing with multiple supplier options
- Gelato – Global fulfillment for faster shipping
- TeeLaunch – Ideal for custom apparel and accessories
- SPOD – Fast production times for quick delivery
Connect your Etsy store to a POD platform to automate order fulfillment.
4. Create High-Quality Designs
Your designs play a huge role in sales success. If you’re not a designer, hire freelancers on Fiverr or Upwork, or use tools like:
- Canva – Easy-to-use design tool with templates
- Adobe Illustrator – Best for professional vector designs
- Procreate – Ideal for hand-drawn artwork (iPad users)
- Creative Fabrica & Vexels – Stock graphics for commercial use
5. List Your Products for Sale
To attract buyers, optimize your Etsy listings by:
- Writing compelling product titles – Use relevant keywords (e.g., “Funny Coffee Mug for Dog Lovers”)
- Creating detailed product descriptions – Highlight features, materials, and customization options
- Using high-quality mockups – Show your designs on real products (Mockup tools: Placeit, SmartMockups)
- Setting competitive pricing – Research similar products and price accordingly
6. Drive Traffic to Your Store
To increase sales, focus on marketing and visibility:
- SEO Optimization – Use long-tail keywords in titles, tags, and descriptions
- Social Media Marketing – Promote your store on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok
- Etsy Ads – Invest in Etsy PPC advertising for increased visibility
- Email Marketing – Build an email list with discounts and special offers
- Influencer Collaborations – Partner with small influencers to showcase your products
7. Scale and Automate Your Business
Once you start getting sales, grow your POD business by:
- Adding More Designs & Products – Expand into hoodies, tote bags, and phone cases
- Running Promotions & Discounts – Use Etsy sales events to attract new customers
- Outsourcing Design & Marketing – Hire virtual assistants for content creation and customer service
- Expanding to Other Marketplaces – Sell on Amazon, eBay, or Shopify for more revenue streams